London taxi drivers are now receiving training to recognize signs of harassment, enabling them to assist passengers while also ensuring their own safety.

Kamaria Ahmed, a training officer from Stop Hate UK, explained that this initiative, in collaboration with the private hire service Freenow, was launched in response to an increase in reported cases of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and homophobia.

“Individuals now experience a genuine apprehension about going out, particularly along their normal commuting routes, due to a notable rise in such incidents, which has heightened their sense of vulnerability,” she remarked.

Freenow driver Brian McDonough, 59, from Twickenham in west London, emphasized the significance of this training, stating that it is beneficial for everyone involved.

From September 2024 to August 2025, the Metropolitan Police documented over 21,000 hate crime incidents in London, marking a 17.4% decrease compared to the previous year.

The bulk of these occurrences were reported in Westminster, where the rate reached 6.5 incidents for every 1,000 residents.

McDonough noted that the training equips private-hire drivers with the skills to assist their passengers effectively.

“It raises awareness among drivers about how to respond in situations that they might not have encountered before, or even if they have, they may not have known how to handle it,” he explained.

The training included evaluating passengers as they enter the vehicle, particularly focusing on women and vulnerable individuals who may have experienced harassment or been followed.

He mentioned that visibly distressed passengers would receive support from drivers, who would advise them to reach out to the police or Stop Hate UK if an incident had occurred.

London resident Yatna shared her recent experience of being verbally harassed by a man at a Tube station.

“I would feel safer taking a taxi since the driver will take me directly home, unlike on the Tube, where that man could have followed me,” she stated.

Yatna expressed that taxi drivers represent her first line of assistance if she finds herself in a difficult situation.

She added, “Taxis are a bit pricier; I once paid about £30 for an Uber home, but my safety is worth it. I’d rather spend £30 than risk assault, not make it home, or wait on a platform with someone undesirable.”